Futureproof Gaming PC for ~2k Build. Need input (^_^)

koopatroopa_15May 12, 2012, 4:48 PM

Hi tom's hardware ! I know that there are 8 million of these posts located on any given forum... So here is another one =D

I am primarily a gamer but I do some 3dsmax work although nothing too intense. Primarily I am looking to build a rather futureproof ( for the next 3-4 years anyway ) rig that will handle anything I can throw at it.

#1: The cpu - Being "future proof" with a Sandy Bridge cpu is kind of contradictory since there are the Ivy Bridges out now. I have read comparisons and there doesn't seem to be a whole lot of reason for me to go with the Ivy Bridge... But I am open to the idea.

#2: The mobo - This sabertooth just plain looks awesome although it is really made for overclocking, which I don't really want to do. I am also concerned about the idea of having plastic covering everything inside, people say it is great but idk...

#3: The HDDs: I elected to go with 2 1TB drives because I read that 1TB drives typically last longer than 2TB drives. I have no idea why this would be the case and am looking for input. Also, I am wondering if i can raid 0 these two drives while using the SSD for my OS and whatever games I am playing atm.

#4: PSU: Basically just... Is it adequate ( keeping in mind I may add a 2nd 560ti in the future )

#5: Cooling: I have never run liquid cooling before, does this rig need it ? And, if so, is my listed cooling solution adequate ?

#6: Case: Being totally honest here, I am looking at this case because it looks sweet and has a lot of room. I am WIDE open to suggestions on a different case because this one is silly expensive and if I am liquid cooling I don't know if I need all those fans or not...

#7: Overall part compatibility: This is only my third rig that I have built but as far as I can see all of these parts appear to get along with each other. If anyone can see a problem I missed please point it out.

#8: Price: All together this comes in at a hair over 1500 bucks, which is well under my 2k limit. I would, however, like to get some nice headphones and a couple LCDs so I am approaching the 2k limit.

Ok... That's it. I am infinitely grateful for any input. As I mentioned above I know that these posts are all over and I hate imposing another one on you guys; but, I think some of you enjoy this (^_^)

First of all, never futureproof, it is a waste of money. Second of all, buying a computer for $2k is unecessary, and third of all, the term futureproof refers to periods of time longer than 3-4 years. So you are basically buying an insanely expensive computer that you will replace in 3-4 years anyway, that has a graphics card fit for a $1200 computer. But, what you can do, is buy a 128 GB SSD, as 240GB is a waste of money, since SSDs are only useful for cache. In addition, buy a better graphics card, and get rid of liquid cooling, because that's just ridiculous unless you are using crazy powerful parts. The mobo I think is overkill, just get a normal one for around $150. All in all, this will save you a lot of money for a nice monitor, headphones and other accessories.

My understanding is that PCIe 3.0 will not work on a Z77 motherboard without an Ivy Bridge CPU. Though you will probably not see any difference when using a 560 ti, if you upgraded your GPU down the road to keep the system high-end, you might find PCIe 2.0 to be limiting you.

My understanding is that PCIe 3.0 will not work on a Z77 motherboard without an Ivy Bridge CPU. Though you will probably not see any difference when using a 560 ti, if you upgraded your GPU down the road to keep the system high-end, you might find PCIe 2.0 to be limiting you.

Ok this is the kind of input I am looking for ! So is the 3770K the way to go on this build then ? And am I going to run into heat issues to the point where liquid cooling is needed or is the consensus no.

As long as you don't stray too far from stock voltage, and don't plan on any OC higher than 4.4GHz then you'll be perfectly fine.

I went with a Sabertooth Z77 board as well. Yet to receive it but its stability is pretty good, I hear.

In terms of future-proof, a single (or even pair) of 560Ti won't cut it. For $2000 I squeezed in 1 more HDD than yours and a GTX 680, as well as a Seasonic X-850 - and I live in Canada where parts have 10-20% markup. So I think you could save a lot of money if you intend to keep this build, or get more for your money if you keep your $2000 budget.

OK well then that solves my cooling concerns (^_^). I am torn about the GFX card because I just got this damn 560ti a year or so ago. I think I will just run the single 560 and then upgrade to a better single card down the road.

So with SLI out of the picture, subtracting the water cooling, replacing the 2600k with a 3770k, and replacing the 256 SSD with a 128, what other comments / ideas do peeps have ?